Our commitment to youth employment

Joint Media Release with The Hon Luke Hartsuyker MP Assistant Minister for Employment, Deputy Leader of the House and
Natasha Griggs MP Member for Solomon

The Australian Government’s Job Commitment Bonus encourages long-term unemployed young people to find a job and keep it.

Assistant Minister for Employment Luke Hartsuyker said eligible young job seekers, who have been on Newstart or Youth Allowance (as a job seeker) for 12 months, can receive an incentive payment of $6500 if they get a job and stay off welfare for 24 months.

“We understand there are barriers to finding and keeping a job but we want to reward those young job seekers who find work and stick with it.”

Young job seekers, aged 18 to 30, who have been on Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance (other) for at least the preceding 12 months can receive $2500 if they get a job, remain in continuous work and off income support for 12 months.

These same job seekers are eligible for an additional $4000 if they remain in continuous work and off income support for a further 12 months — that is, 24 months in total.

The Job Commitment Bonus is one of four initiatives that reinforces the Coalition Government’s commitment to boosting employment across Australia. Other programmes include Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job, Work for the Dole, and Restart.

Country Liberals Senator for the Northern Territory Nigel Scullion and Member for Solomon Natasha Griggs said the Coalition believes the best form of welfare is a job and these incentives will help to get more young job seekers off welfare and into work.

“The Job Commitment Bonus is part of the Australian Government’s plan to boost workforce participation and productivity in Australia,” Senator Scullion said.

Mrs Griggs said, “I would like to see young job seekers in the Territory take advantage of this initiative.”

Information about eligibility and claim requirements is available from the Department of Human Services.